This summer, the Internal Revenue Service Security Summit partners issued a news release encouraging tax professionals to inform their clients about the IRS’ Identity Protection PIN Opt-In Program and how this can protect against tax-related identity theft1.
An IP PIN is a six-digit number issued to the taxpayer and this number is known only by the taxpayer and the IRS and it prevents others from filing tax returns using your Social Security Number. This is a great way for taxpayers to protect themselves and to minimize delays in receiving refunds because someone else inadvertently or on purpose previously used their Social Security Number in filing a tax return.
When you receive the IP PIN letter from the IRS, please provide a copy to your taxpayer so they can electronically file your return. Please note that the IRS will never call, email, or text either taxpayers or tax preparers to request the IP PIN1.
An IP PIN is only valid for one year and must be used when filing any federal tax return for the year the IP PIN is issued and a new IP PIN is generated each year. In the case of Married Filing Joint taxpayers, both spouses are encouraged to obtain an IP PIN. Dependents are also eligible to obtain IP PINs.
For more information and to obtain an IP PIN, visit the IRS page Get An Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN). Here you can use the IRS online tool to obtain an IP PIN or to retrieve your IP PIN if you lost the original IRS letter with your IP PIN. The online tool does require an account on IRS.gov, but you’ll be prompted to create an account if you don’t have one.
Feel free to contact us regarding any questions you may have about the IP PIN.
